A few weeks back an electrical fire caused major damage to a long time Kispiox Village resident Reynold “Jackie” Williams house. The fire broke out when Williams was home with his grandchildren and while they desperately tried to put it out, they were unsuccessful. The quick response of the Kispiox fire department managed to save the structure of the home but the internal damage was quite extensive friend Ron Harris said.
“Fortunately no one was hurt and Jackie was very grateful for having the quick response of the Kispiox fire department,” he shared. “However, they are now gutting the house and unfortunately didn’t have insurance so they need a lot of help.”
While Williams owns the house, financial aid is hard to come by and for Harris this is frustrating as he said his friend has always helped out in his community in any way he could.
“He helps out a lot with fishing and taking care of our people in many ways,” Harris explained. “He is one of those guys that helps out anyone, anywhere, anytime so it would be nice for his community to rally behind him when he really needs it right now.”
Harris added that they have set up an account at the New Hazelton Bulkley Valley Credit Union for anyone who can help out financially. However, he needs help in many ways he said and could use building material, volunteer labour, household items, clothes and much more as everything but the structure of the house was lost.
“They are gutting the house out now but they have so much work to do,” Harris said. “Ironically he is already thinking about his community and he is no worrying about even being able to help out with the fish this year. He needs help and we are hoping that more people in the area can step up and find a way to help him.”
For more information on how to volunteer, donate or help out in any way please contact Harris at 250-842-6556.